They give each other a look that I find quite odd, but I ignore it. Bothof my grandparents are slightly quirky, and I don’t know if that has to do with living in Coconut Beach their entire lives, but I’ve learned to ignore it.
“The party looks to be in full swing,” I say, looking around. “I’m sure Rex and Andi must be really happy.”
“Yes, yes, I suppose so,” my grandma says, frowning. “We need to talk, Luke,” she says in a low voice.
“What’s wrong?” I frown at her. “You’re okay, Gran?”
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m fine. It’s not about me. It’s about something else. Something sensitive. Maybe something that should not be spoken about here because there are listening ears everywhere, but we need to talk.”
She gives me a look, and then she looks over at Lucille. “Ah, shall we go and dance?”
“Of course. Let us do it. I’ll leave you to get back to my granddaughter.”
“Okay, thanks. You guys have a great evening,” I say as I watch them walk away.
That was really weird. I have no idea what my grandma wants to talk to me about, but now I’m super intrigued. I head over to the bar and call one of the bartenders over.
“Can I get a glass of pinot grigio and a Bud Light or something, please?”
“Certainly, sir. Coming right up.”
I stand there, waiting for him to get the drinks, when I see Talia heading toward me.
Here we go again.
She’s wearing a sheer silver dress that leaves nothing to the imagination. When I say nothing, I mean nothing. It’s very obvious that she’s not wearing a bra because the gauzy metallic of her dress is see-through, and I can clearly see her nipples.
“Why, darling Luke, you look absolutely gorgeous,” she says as she reaches over and gives me a big hug, pressing her breasts against me. “And you smell divine.” She presses her nose against my neck.
“Well, it’s nice to see you as well, Talia,” I say, trying to be polite as I take a step back. “How are you doing?”
“I am absolutely loving the party. Your parents took on every suggestion that I gave them, and I think I’ve rather surpassed myself with this shindig, don’t you?”
“Well, it looks like a lot of people are having a lot of fun. It also looks like it costs a lot of money.”
“Well, well, you’re a Haverbrook. You guys don’t have to worry about money. At least that’s what Rex said.”
“He is in charge of the family business and the accounts, so he knows,” I say, nodding, not even wanting to think about it.
I hate the fact that I’m still irritated by the fact that Rex had taken over the family business without even having a conversation with me about my possible role. “So, have you thought about my suggestion?” she says softly.
“Sorry, I’m confused. What suggestion?”
“Did you not get my text message? I’m going to be in New York, and I don’t have a place to stay yet, and I was thinking maybe I could stay with you.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea, Talia,” I say, trying to be polite.
“But I think we could have so much fun, Luke.”
“Well, as you know, I’m dating Mia, and?—”
“Oh, but she’s such a Goody Two-shoes with her bookmobile on the beach and her romance books and running around the island taking photos of tourists. Do you really want to be with someone like that, or do you want to be with a woman who you can have on your arm at dinner parties and who can discuss politics and the stock market? I bet you that Mia doesn’t even know what an index fund is.”
“I don’t care if she knows what an index fund is, Talia. She very much is the woman I need and want in my life.”
“If you say so, Lukey,” she says, staring at me and shaking her head. “You don’t know what you’re missing—you know that, right?” She runs her fingers down the front of my shirt. “All those muscles wasted on her.” The disdain practically drips from her tone.
“Hi, sir. Here’s the pinot grigio and the beer that you wanted,” the bartender says from behind me, and I’m grateful that he’s finally shown back up.
